These past 2 years have been rather impactful. These 2 years showed me love, compassion, empathy and understanding, values which I thought I understood before entering ACJC but was surprised to find out that I did not possess them.
The teachers have shown me that the life we live should be directed to serving others, not just to be inward looking and focused on oneself. They showed me that even in the most difficult situations, they were able to look past their students' faults, disrespect and aloofness and carried on with their jobs. Perhaps there were times I lost faith in my teachers, but that faith never totally went away. They showed me to believe in myself even when I didn't think I could. They carried me through what seemed like hell.
The friends. They are a whole different affair. I never had best friends in Fairfield and I never understood what it meant to have best friends. Often, I simply hung out with a clique but never had a specific person to go to to share my greatest pain and challenges. In AC, I found them. They showed me that even in the worst of times, they would be there to listen to my worst heartache, though definitely without their own judgement and perspectives. They didn't look past my weaknesses because that's not what true friends do. They pointed it out to me and allowed me to learn from each experience.
We always talk about how our alma mater may have been more than a school and how we came in hoping to "receive an education" but "received so much more". Well, instead of simply stating it, let me tell you what I received. I received teachers who were patient, when they didn't need to be. I received friends who stuck by my side and showed me my wrong, while not just criticizing it, but instead, worked with me on these issues. I received friends who rejoiced alongside my victories, comforted alongside my difficulties and endured the hardships alongside me.
We made it through 2 years of Junior College, which seemed much like an endless road of hell but we made it. We did it. We completed our 2 years in ACJC. I never thought I would complete these 2 years so quickly and yet, I did. Through God's countless blessings and never-ending providence, I did it. Truly, To God be the Glory:)
